It seems that once Radagast tells Gandalf that the Nine are abroad and searching for the Shire, he should have immediately gone back to guide Frodo. Instead he goes on to Isengard. The book gives a short explanation that maybe Saruman had weapons that would drive back the nine but that would hardly matter if they reached the ring first. How else to explain Gandalf's decision here that almost ends in ruin?

He was sent to lure Gandalf to Isengard. I am sure he wanted some kind of help, and he counted on Butterbur and Frodo to follow his instructions. Aragorn was another player, so I think that Gandalf felt quite safe in leaving Frodo for a bit. He couldn't know his plans would go astray. Call me Rem. Rembrethil is a lot to type!!

Since Saruman was the leader of the order, perhaps Gandalf felt he had to take counsel with him before taking action? Plus with Aragorn and the other Rangers guarding the Shire, he probably felt Frodo was safe for now. And what do trees have to talk about? Hmm...except the consistency of squirrel droppings?

The thought has occurred to me that if Saruman had not been exposed to Gandalf, Gandalf might well have still considered him a friend at the time when the Fellowship departed from Rivendell. And, like when they travelled through Lorien, they might well have decided to go through Isengard, thinking Saruman an ally, in which case Saruman would have found the Ring!

Probably Gandalf was also not expecting to be detained in Isenguard very long
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Probably Gandalf was also not expecting to be detained in Isenguard very long.

Of course, from a writerly point of view it gets Gandalf off the scene so he can't chaperone the hobbits and they have to work hard to get even as far as Rivendell. Gives us a suspenseful Book I and toughens them up for the trials ahead. Disclaimers: The words of noWizardme may stand on their heads! I'm often wrong about things, and its fun to be taught more....

"nowimė I am in the West, Furincurunir to the Dwarves (or at least, to their best friend) and by other names in other lands. Mostly they just say 'Oh no it's him - look busy!' " Or "Hold off! unhand me, grey-beard loon!"